BB Gandanghari to make theater debut

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – Actor Rustom Padilla, who came out of the closet six years ago and is now known as BB Gandanghari, is set to make his theater debut via a play about “gay friends in their prime.”

Gandanghari will star in Gantimpala Theater’s official entry at the 4th National Theater Festival, “Sayaw ng mga SENIORita.”

In this drama-comedy directed by Jun Pablo and written in a mixture of English and Tagalog by Jose Javier Reyes, Gandanghari will take on the role of a homecoming queen and socialite alongside fellow gay men, directors Joel Lamangan, Soxie Topacio and Manny Castañeda.

BB Gandanghari and other cast members of the upcoming play "Sayaw ng mga SENIORita." Photo from the Gantimpala Theater Foundation's Facebook page

The play also includes Ricky Davao, who replaced Lou Veloso for the role of a bikini open producer and talent manager.

In a press conference for the play, the cast members shared that “Sayaw ng mga SENIORita” is a tribute to the late Tony Espejo, who was Gantimpala’s artistic director. Espejo passed away last June.

“Sayaw ng mga SENIORita” will be staged at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute of the Cultural Center of the Philippines on November 16 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The next shows will be held on November 23, 24 and 30, and on December 1, with the venue to be announced soon.